ICIJ shakes up European Parliament

The findings of the Cyprus Confidential investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) will be discussed on Wednesday during the Plenary of the European Parliament which will be held in Strasbourg, in the presence of representatives of the Commission and the Council of the EU.

The discussion is planned to take place on Wednesday afternoon, without the Parliament moving towards issuing a resolution.

According to a press statement by the European Parliament, issued after the finalisation of the agenda for the 20 - 23 November plenary, the MEPs will discuss counter-measures in light of the latest revelations on money laundering and evasion of sanctions against Russia in Cyprus.

“The latest investigation carried out by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) revealed that Cypriot investment firms and banks have been allegedly involved in hiding the wealth of sanctioned Russian oligarchs and billionaires” the press release states.

“MEPs are set to discuss with the Council and the Commission how to urgently and effectively plug all loopholes in the financial system and accelerate the ongoing negotiations with member states on tighter anti-money laundering rules”.